Celebrating International Women's Day with Beth Gibbs
On International Women’s Day, we spoke to Beth Gibbs about her new role as Regional Pitch Advisor for Rugby Union in London and the South East, and about why she believes turfcare is an industry for everyone.
Can you describe your journey into pitch advising and what first attracted you to the role?
I first came across the industry on the government apprenticeship website, where I found an opportunity to train as a groundsperson. My application was successful, and I went on to complete a Level 2 Sports Turf Operative apprenticeship. I stayed in that role for four years.
Someone later reached out to tell me about the Regional Pitch Advisor position at the Grounds Management Association. After giving it some thought, I realised it was something I would really enjoy, so I applied and was successful. I started at the end of January, so it’s still very new and I’m finding my feet.
What drew me to the role was the chance to help clubs improve their pitches and make a meaningful difference to grassroots sport.
What did becoming the first female Regional Pitch Advisor mean to you personally and professionally?
Becoming the first female Regional Pitch Advisor meant a great deal. On a personal level, it felt like recognition of the hard work and learning I’ve put into developing my skills. Professionally, it gave me a strong sense of responsibility. I wanted to set high standards and show that these roles are open to a wider range of people. I’m really proud of that, and it motivates me to keep pushing the industry forward.
What challenges did you face along the way, and how did you overcome them?
I was fortunate not to face many major challenges, but the smaller ones were mostly about finding my feet in a new environment. When unfamiliar situations came up, I asked questions, leaned on the knowledge of others and stayed open to feedback.
Each hurdle, even the small ones, helped me grow more confident and comfortable in my role. Those experiences strengthened my understanding of the work and helped me develop at a steady pace.
How has the turfcare landscape evolved since you started, particularly in terms of diversity and inclusion?
When I first entered sports turf, the industry felt quite traditional. Over time, I’ve seen it become more open and welcoming to a wider mix of perspectives. From my own experience, there’s been a real shift toward collaboration and appreciation of different strengths.
Another big change is visibility. Social media now showcases a much broader range of people, roles and experiences, which is helping attract new interest and making the industry feel more accessible. There’s still progress to be made, but the direction is definitely positive.
Do you think having more women in advisory roles changes how decisions are made on the ground?
Yes, I do. This has traditionally been a male dominated sector, so increasing representation naturally brings a wider mix of perspectives and experiences. That diversity often leads to more balanced, practical and people centred decision making.
Most importantly, representation helps create environments where more voices feel heard. That improves the quality of the advice we give and the consistency of the work delivered on the pitch. It’s not just about gender - it’s about strengthening the industry by broadening the insights that shape everyday decisions.
What qualities do you believe are most important for success in turfcare today?
Success in turfcare requires a blend of technical understanding, practical skills and strong people skills. Curiosity and a willingness to keep learning are essential, because the industry is always evolving - whether that’s machinery, products or expectations from clubs.
Attention to detail matters, as small changes in the surface can have a big impact on playability. Problem solving is also key; no two days are the same, and conditions can change quickly, so adaptability is important.
Communication skills are just as vital as hands on work. Whether you’re explaining why a certain operation is needed or managing expectations around pitch quality, clear and open communication makes everything run more smoothly.
Finally, resilience and a positive attitude go a long way. Turfcare can be physically demanding, weather dependent and sometimes unpredictable, so staying calm under pressure and keeping the bigger picture in mind really helps.
What advice would you give to women considering a career in turfcare or technical advisory roles?
My advice is to absolutely go for it. This is an industry where curiosity and a willingness to learn matter far more than anything else. Nobody knows everything on day one, but if you’re interested in the work and open to developing your skills, you’ll find your place.
Don’t be put off by the industry’s history of being male dominated. Things are changing, and there is space for you. Opportunities are growing, the work is rewarding, and the industry is stronger when it welcomes a wider range of people. If you’re passionate, stay curious and keep backing yourself - you can build a great career here.
What does International Women’s Day represent to you within the context of your work?
For me, International Women’s Day is a moment to pause and reflect on my journey in the sports turf industry and how the landscape has evolved. It represents progress - not just in terms of opportunities, but in the growing recognition that the industry is stronger when it welcomes a wider range of people and backgrounds.
Moving into advisory work has shown me first hand how valuable diversity can be. Different ways of thinking, communicating and approaching challenges make the job richer and lead to better support for clubs and better outcomes on the ground. Increased visibility on social media has also helped highlight a broader mix of experiences, encouraging people who may not have considered this career before.
The day is a reminder of why representation and openness matter. It motivates me to keep playing my part in creating an industry where people feel supported, able to contribute and confident that they belong.
Looking ahead, what would you like your legacy to be, both for the industry and for the next generation of women?
For the next generation of women, I’d love my legacy to be about representation and possibility. I want women entering the industry to see roles like mine and think, “I can do that too.” When I started, I didn’t see many women in these positions, so if my presence helps someone feel welcome, capable and valued, that would mean a lot.
Ultimately, I hope my journey shows that you don’t need to fit a particular mould to succeed. You just need a willingness to learn and the confidence to take your place. If I can help leave behind an industry that feels more open, diverse and supportive than when I joined it, that’s a legacy I’d be proud of.
I’d also like my legacy to centre on opening the industry up to a wider range of people and perspectives. Sports turf has traditionally been male dominated, and I want to be part of the movement that helps it grow by becoming more modern, welcoming and accessible.
Diversity is about how people feel once they’re here. I want to help create an environment where different experiences and viewpoints are valued, because that leads to better decision making and ultimately better playing surfaces. If my work encourages more people from different backgrounds to see this as an industry where they can develop, contribute and be taken seriously, then I’ll feel I’ve made a meaningful impact.